Radiation and Pregnancy

Pregnant women occupationally exposed to radiation have the option of limiting radiation exposure to their embryo/fetus to 500 mrem during pregnancy. To do so, the woman must voluntarily notify ORS in writing of her pregnancy and the estimated date of conception (month and year only).

Declared pregnant woman means a woman who has voluntarily informed the Office of Radiation Safety, in writing, of her pregnancy and the estimated date of conception. The declaration remains in effect until the declared pregnant woman withdraws the declaration in writing or is no longer pregnant.

Declaration of Pregnancy (DOC)– A form letter for the purposes of declaring pregnancy. The employee may choose to use the form letter, or provide her own written notification. The declaration must contain, at a minimum, the name of the employee, a statement that she is pregnant, her estimated date of conception (month and year only) and the department/service of employment.

The Declaration may be sent to the employee's immediate supervisor, or to ORS. If the immediate supervisor is notified, the supervisor must promptly notify ORS.

Training and Information - ORS provides the following information to staff concerning the health effects/risks associated with exposure of the fetus during pregnancy, and methods of maintaining radiation exposure within the dose limits, and As Low As Reasonably Achievable. ORS will evaluate the working conditions to determine compliance with fetus/embryo radiation exposure limits.